Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1037:- Goddess of War

Right at that moment, yet another group chose to make their appearance.

"It seems... we arrived at an interesting time."

'The Sect Leader of the Chimera Shadow Sect.' Shock rippled through the assembly as they spotted the Chimera Shadow Sect Leader present. Still, with the Night Rider Sect Leader already on site, it came as no great shock to most.

Many reacted with surprise to the Chimera Shadow Sect's arrival because the Sect had long avoided meddling in the Celestial Dragon Empire's internal affairs. One word captured the essence of the Chimera Shadow Sect perfectly: opportunist.

The Chimera Shadow Sect lay positioned to the west of the Celestial Dragon Empire, sharing a direct border with it.

To the north of the Chimera Shadow Sect stretched the domain of the Night Rider Sect, meaning the Night Rider Sect also bordered the Celestial Dragon Empire along its western frontier.

Put simply, on any map, the Celestial Dragon Empire occupied the east. Its west belonged to the Chimera Shadow Sect, while straight north of that sat the Night Rider Sect.

This strategic layout linked both sects to the Empire's western edge, turning that whole region into a zone dominated by these two mighty sects.

The Chimera Shadow Sect's core principle remained straightforward throughout its history. They bided their time. They watched closely. Then, at the perfect juncture, they aligned with whichever side promised the biggest rewards. This approach was time-honored, forming the bedrock of their survival and operations from the sect's earliest days.

The Chimera Shadow Sect appeared today precisely for this purpose.

Indeed, Harrington's group wielded immense power, backed by Dukes of considerable might. United, they possessed the force to inflict heavy blows on the Empire. Should tensions boil over fully, the Emperor's triumph would prove far from straightforward.

Yet, for the Chimera Shadow Sect, just one factor held ultimate importance.

The ultimate victor. And they firmly believed that victor would be the Emperor and his allies.

Where others viewed this clash through lenses of justice, loyalty, or conviction, the Chimera Shadow Sect perceived a starkly different picture. To them, danger loomed large, yet so did a prime chance. An opening to seize greater political sway, heightened influence, and expanded dominance.

After the civil war concluded, the Emperor would doubtless honor his steadfast supporters. With smart maneuvers, the entire sect could ascend to far loftier heights than ever before.

Without potential gains, they wouldn't have deigned to appear. Such were their people. Such was their Sect Leader. Such was the raw essence of the Chimera Shadow Sect.

The Sect Leader of the Chimera Shadow Sect advanced slowly, and as he did, the ambient clamor hushed spontaneously.

A tall figure with a slender yet muscular build, he towered around six feet high. An intangible aura about him stirred discomfort in others for reasons they couldn't pinpoint. Perhaps instinctively, all sensed his true character.

His features struck sharp and pristine, defined lines lending an air of elegance and serenity on initial view. A closer inspection, however, revealed more. A subtle, seemingly innate smile graced his lips, yet it failed to touch his eyes. The hallmark of a polished, insincere grin.

Narrow eyes with a gentle upward slant bestowed upon him a laid-back, almost indolent look.

Jet-black hair flowed smoothly and impeccably, reaching just past his shoulders. Several locks draped casually across his brow, suggesting mild dishevelment—though nothing about him rang truly haphazard. Every detail exuded deliberate calculation, crafted to mislead.

His attire consisted of a lengthy ebony robe adorned with faint golden motifs tracing the hems. A slender belt cinched it at the waist, from which dangled a petite accessory that swayed lightly with his steps.

No soul in the hall dared belittle him.

For whenever his gaze swept over a person, it pierced straight through, laying them bare. The sort who could beam amiably in conversation... while silently sealing your doom.

And his name was Renji Kuro.

"Why are you here?" Sophia demanded in an icy voice. Meanwhile, Malakor simply scowled. He had never liked this pretentious bitch.

"My love, obviously, I am here for you," Renji responded, flashing a phony smile.

Hearing this, Sophia let out a snort.

Love? None stirred in his heart for her. He merely feigned affection, yearning for it to melt her resolve. Such pretense could vastly bolster the alliance of their sects—perhaps even pave the way for a complete merger. Then why did Renji stay unwed, broadcasting his passion for Sophia far and wide?

"I heard that my Love was being insulted." Renji’s courteous smile vanished. A chilling grin twisted his lips as he eyed the gathering.

"I am the one who insulted your so-called love. What will you do?" True to form, Malakor refused to stay silent while foes blustered before him.

Renji’s bravado evaporated the instant Malakor spoke and advanced a step.

Sweat beaded on his brow instead. His pulse raced wildly.

Who could face this mad old coot without fear?

He’d only sought to look dashing for Sophia, yet it blew up in his face.

Yet Renji kept his facade icy calm. Mastering the mask of deceit was his path to triumph, he firmly believed.

"Today, I am here to announce that my Chimera Shadow Sect will support His Majesty in its full power against anyone who tries to rebel."

The Chimera Shadow Sect’s formal alliance amplified the Emperor’s forces beyond measure. Nobles aligned with him beamed in delight. Greater strength promised a swifter victory with minimal losses.

"Hmph!!!" Malakor just scoffed. He saw through Renji and his sect’s motives for picking this side.

"You are nothing but a spineless bastard. If I threw a million platinum coins on the ground before you, you would switch sides or do what I tell you to."

He advanced deliberately, gaze piercing Renji like a hunter fixating on quarry. "You don’t fight for loyalty. You don’t fight for pride. You don’t even fight for your people. You only move when there is something to gain."

"If the Emperor falls tomorrow, you’ll be the first one kneeling before his enemy, acting like you were always on their side."

"I’ve seen your kind before. Men who call themselves leaders, but in truth, they are nothing but merchants dressed in power... selling their loyalty to the highest bidder."

"And the worst part... is that you’re proud of it." A faint smile tugged at Renji’s lips. What flaw lay in such cunning? It had propelled him to heights others could only dream of.

Tension mounted as clashes seemed imminent, with all bracing for battle at any moment—until another figure arrived.

"The Goddess of War is here!!!" Those words halted everyone in their tracks. No one had anticipated the Goddess of War choosing a side here.

She shared no ties with the fallen general, offering no obvious reason for her presence. Her only purpose must be diving into the Celestial Dragon Empire’s brewing civil strife and power games.

Hearing of the Goddess of War’s arrival filled the Emperor’s faction with instant elation. Her deep bond with the Emperor linked their empires as steadfast allies.

Even under Emperor Ren’s rule, the two empires stayed firm comrades. Her showing up signaled full commitment to the Emperor’s cause against all foes. Backed by the Goddess of War, defeat was unthinkable.

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Truly, heartfelt thanks to everyone for the golden tickets and gifts! Let’s keep the momentum going!!!